Once a thrilling new restaurant concept, Japanese izakayas have sprouted all over Vancouver. No longer are we so impressed by the casual atmosphere and Japanese small sharing plates that we will flock to a restaurant just because it has the distinction of being called an izakaya. ShuRaku must have sensed the sea change, and adjusted its concept accordingly. Loosely translated as "enjoyment of sake," ShuRaku elevates rice over grape and adds some more traditional Japanese dishes to its whimsically North Americanized izakaya menu.

From the same owner of Zest, ShuRaku is happy to pander to Western tastes, but doesn’t shy away from Japanese traditions that seem more than a little "exotic" in Vancouver (fried prawn heads, anyone?). Diners can watch Executive Chef Masahiro Omori and his legions at work in the wide open kitchen, and delight in smaller shared plates, but also a healthy smattering of sushi and sashimi (unheard of at most izakayas).

But if you find yourself at ShuRaku more for a night out than for a bite out, you'll be more than impressed with the 25 premium sakes by the glass. As a tribute to owner Iori Kataoka's grandfather, a sake maker in Japan, ShuRaku takes its rice wine very very seriously.